Speech Language Pathologist

Speech Language Pathologist

Sitka School District Full time

Certificated Job Description Speech Language Pathologists Bargaining Unit: SEA Work Year: 189 Days per year Job Summary This position requires a valid Alaska type C certificate. The number of work days is based upon the SEA negotiated pay scale. Positions that are 0.50 FTE to 1.0 FTE are associated with the Alaska Teachers' Retirement System (TRS), positions that are 0.40 to 0.49 FTE are associated with the Alaska Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Positions that are 0.39 FTE or less are not eligible for state retirement benefits. This position reports to and is evaluated by the site principal. Speech-language pathologists assess and treat the communication disorders of articulation, language, voice, and stuttering for students age 3 through 21. Services are provided through direct contact with students and through consultation with teachers and/or parents and include a combination of classroom-based instruction, consultation, and group and individual therapy. Speech pathologists work collaboratively with the other members of the school team to ensure that students with communication disabilities have full participation in the learning environment and experience academic success. Speech-language staff partner with teachers to support language learning and literacy in the classroom.

Job Requirements The following are required: Master's degree in speech and language. Valid Alaska type C special services certificate with an endorsement for speech/language pathology or related endorsement. The following are preferred: Evidence of experience working with special education students. Experience working collaboratively to support the Individual Education Plan (IEP) needs of special education student(s) in a public school setting. Experience or evidence of the ability to: o Meet and maintain punctuality and attendance expectations. o Demonstrate knowledge of normal speech/language development. o Demonstrate knowledge of teaching/training methods, curricula and strategies regarding communication disorders. o Handle confidential matters and information in a professional manner. o Demonstrate organizational skills to assess, schedule, and manage a wide variety of students in multiple locations.

Essential Job Functions The responsibilities listed below are representative of the essential functions of this position. The successful candidate: Participates with pre-referral teams and multidisciplinary teams for student screening, diagnosis, eligibility and intervention. Selects and administers standardized and non-standardized assessments, scored according to procedural manuals, and determines eligibility for speech-language services in the educational setting. Follows current departmental/district eligibility criteria for speech-language services. Establishes appropriate functional, school-based goals for addressing student needs in the areas of articulation, language, voice and fluency skills within the school environment. Uses technology (keyboarding, data entry, word processing) to manage work tasks including record keeping, IEP development, communication, research and to enhance instruction. Maintains required records (attendance, IEP paperwork, log book, progress notes) based on department, district and state standards. Documents services and completes required paperwork. Supervises paraprofessionals, as assigned, in the provision of speech-language services. Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to provide an orderly, productive environment for learning in a variety of school settings. Develops and varies therapy techniques and service delivery specific to each student's communication needs, emphasizing integration within the general education curriculum. Regularly collects and documents accurate data on speech-language goals and objectives to indicate student progress. Reassesses therapy plans on an ongoing basis and modifies as needed. Effectively presents information and responds to questions clearly and concisely from parents, supervisor(s) and team members regarding issues related to speech-language therapy. Functions as a team member and collaborates with regular education and special education staff in planning, supporting and providing instruction in a variety of school settings. Establishes and maintains high standards of professionalism and diplomacy when working with students, peers, parents, private providers, related medical agencies and community agencies. Serves as a resource to school staff, parents and community. Attends and participates in staff meetings and department committees. Develops and maintains professional competency through in-service education, coursework and/or professional growth activities to apply "best practice" knowledge to speech-language therapy program.

Physical /Mental Demands The physical demands of this job require frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking and hearing. Specific visual abilities are also required. The employee is regularly required to reach with his/her hands and arms and occasionally lift items weighing less than 40 lbs. Additionally, the employee must be able to understand vague and implicit instructions, be able to readily recall facts and details, handle conflict and make effective decisions under pressure. The employee must have the ability to effectively manage the stress of working with students, parents, and other employees representing diverse cultures, personalities, and work styles in a dynamic work environment. The Sitka School District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all individuals with a qualified physical or mental disability. Work Environment Work is performed in a professional environment with a wide variety of individuals having differing functions, personalities and abilities, including working with diverse groups of people in a variety of different settings. While performing the duties of this job the employee may be regularly exposed to a video display. The employee may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Additional Job Information This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job related duties as requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. Sitka School District (SSD) employees must possess the ability to read and write in English. This also includes the ability to communicate in English with school staff, co-workers, and the public; as well as have the ability to comprehend and carry out oral and written directions and understand and follow English instructions and written documents. Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a satisfactory criminal background check. For certificated positions, this is in addition to the background check conducted through the certification process with the Alaska State Department of Education and Early Development (DEED). The Sitka School District is an equal employment opportunity employer.

About The Sitka School District is a friendly community located in the beautiful City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska. With a population of around 8,000 the town is situated in the heart of the Tongass National Rain Forest on the Gulf of Alaska. There is world class fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and numerous other outdoor activities that are easily accessible. There are five Schools: Xots Elementary School (PK-1), Ket Goosh Hen Elementary School (2-5), Blatchley Middle School (6-8), Sitka High School (9-12), and Pacific High School (9-12 alternative). The District has approximately 1050 Students (PK-12).